Key knowledge management processes for innovation: a systematic literature review. Issue 3 (8th August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Costa, Vítor; Monteiro, Samuel
• Editors: Burstein, Frada; Lee, WB
• Is Part Of: VINE journal of information and knowledge management systems. Volume 46:Issue 3(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-08-08
• Subjects: Libraries -- Automation -- Periodicals; Information storage and retrieval systems -- Periodicals; 020
• DOI: 10.1108/VJIKMS-02-2015-0017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2059-5891

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to review current literature on knowledge management processes considering the relationship between the key knowledge processes of acquisition, sharing, storage, codification, creation, application, and different types of innovation, through a systematic literature review. Design/methodology/approach: Design/methodology/approach – This study follows systematic review protocols for management and organisational sciences and analyses 45 full papers on knowledge management processes and innovation. Findings: Findings – Results show that all knowledge processes can directly support innovation but also that other organisational variables (e.g., organisational learning, absorptive capacity) mediate this relationship. Moreover, knowledge creation and knowledge application appear as two central processes through which knowledge acquisition, sharing, codification, and storage influence innovation. Knowledge acquisition and knowledge sharing are the most frequently studied knowledge processes. The majority of the sample papers present traditional innovation definitions (product vs. process, radical vs. incremental, and technical vs. administrative). However, organisational innovation, innovation capability, and innovation performance approaches emerge from the papers' analysis. Research limitations/implications: Research limitations/implications – The present review includes major scientific papers, however the search is limited to the Web of ScienceTM platform. Originality/value: Originality/value - This literature review analyses high quality, peer-reviewed papers, following a systematic methodology that can be tested and updated. Papers were divided based upon the knowledge process(es) being analysed and the innovation type/approach, providing a twofold contribution to knowledge management and innovation literature.